Bologna are increasingly desperate and would be bottom without Siena’s points penalty. “We need a result against Palermo,” admits Stefano Pioli.

The Rossoblu are in dire straits after losing five of their last six games and face a relegation dogfight this afternoon.

“I don’t think this is the right moment of the season to look behind us. We mustn’t think about the points we left behind, but rather look forward.

“We need courage, spirit and character to achieve our objectives. We are all aware that this squad doesn’t deserve its current position in the table. The only advice I can give my players is to believe in themselves.

“It is time to focus on the here and now, which means we need a result against Palermo.”

Henry Gimenez, Marco Motta, Andrea Pisanu, Robert Acquafresca, Carvalho and CesareNatali are all absent for this match.